Ports draft plans to cut pilots

Source: BBC

Fifteen pilots who guide ships in the Humber estuary could lose their jobs after bosses said traffic using the river had "significantly depressed".

Associated British Ports (ABP), who employ the river pilots said staff working at Hull and Goole were affected by the decision.

But the maritime union Nautilus said cutting the number of pilots could jeopardise river users.

The union also said the pilots were experienced and had lengthy training.

In a statement the ABP said the situation was "unfortunate".

Trading conditions

The company said: "Regrettably we are starting consultations in relation to making some of our staff in Hull and Goole redundant.

"With regard to the pilots of Humber Estuary Services, it is likely that this may affect 15 of our employees.

"This process will be carried out in full consultation with the affected individuals and the relevant union representatives.

"This unfortunate situation is necessitated by the significantly depressed trading conditions facing our business."

Alan Graveson of Nautilus UK said the pilots would be difficult to replace, if and when, business picked up.

He said: "These skills cannot be replaced overnight and it takes an awful long time to produce a skilled pilot.

"We do not want to see repetitions of the past where there are incidents on the Humber which can jeopardise leisure users, the fishing community indeed all maritime users and the marine environment."